Critical Mistakes to Avoid in a Child Custody Case

Child custody cases are often highly contentious, time-consuming and expensive. People involved in custody battles may often sabotage their own case by making a mistake. Mistakes can either be critical errors that completely destroy your chances in the case and they can also be mistakes that might be rectified during the trial. For the majority of parents, the custody proceedings are the most important aspect of the divorce case overshadowing other issues such as division of assets or spousal support. Below are some mistakes that parents should avoid at all costs in their child custody proceedings:

Exhibiting Rude Or Aggressive Behavior In Court

Oftentimes parents may become frustrated when dealing with their spouse or the court in a custody case. Displaying abusive or insulting behavior towards a soon-to-be-ex spouse may cause overwhelming problems in their custody case. Avoid heated arguments, getting physical or hurling insults at your spouse and under no circumstances ever should you make any threats. Avoid drugs or alcohol usage especially during a custody case as you may have to submit to drug testing if you are witnessed and this can have serious implications for your custody case

Not Adhering To Court Orders Such As Payment Of Child Support

It is important to adhere to any court orders during an ongoing custody case especially if you are the parent ordered to pay child support. You must ensure that you are making these payments unless you encounter a financial problem such as the loss of a job. In such a scenario your lawyer can file a motion with the court promptly and the court can issue an order reducing support while you get back on your feet. If you simply refuse to make payments then your ex-spouse has the right to go to court to limit your parenting rights.

Putting Your Needs Above Your Children’s Interests

Children are the innocent casualties in any divorce case. Enduring a divorce can be a traumatic experience for children and this is the time for both parents to set aside their own desires and prioritize their children’s interests above their own. Children especially younger ones may find the notion of divorce to be highly confusing and they may not comprehend the sudden unwanted changes taking place in their life. It is therefore important to work together with your spouse in counseling your kids and if the need may arise to have them undergo professional counseling. Parents involved in custody battles often claim alienation and try to deprive the other party of visitation rights. Such behavior can have an immense emotional and psychological impact on the children and judges will not look favorably upon a parent who tries to withhold the other from seeing their children with no appropriate reason.

Being A Bad Parent

Children need the support and consideration of both their parents during a trying time such as a divorce. Therefore, it is essential that you do your utmost to be a good parent to them. The court evaluates a person’s parenting skills when determining custody. Therefore it is necessary that you take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their children. Some measures that you can take in this regard are:

Parents who are gun owners should keep their firearms under lock and key and have a trigger guard.

Car seats should be used for minor children when driving.

Children should only be allowed to watch age appropriate movies and TV

Spare the rod and avoid dishing out corporal punishment. Such scenarios may escalate into instances of domestic violence.

It is important to be familiar with all the important people in a child’s life such as teachers, school officials, friends, coaches, doctors, or anyone who spends time with the children. They can make good character witnesses if the need arises.

There may be situations in a divorce where someone can represent themselves but when one is embroiled in a bitter legal battle over custody of children they should retain the best available child custody attorney to represent them in their case. It is vital if you wish to win your custody battle.

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